http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/ventura_county&id=8556977
I saw this article and was both angry and saddened. A pet owner, upon hearing that his dog had died after a surgery, went down to the clinic and attacked the veterinarian. As a veterinarian and the owner of 3 pets, I know how strong the bond is between pet owners and pets. As I write this, my dog is partially laying in my lap and god forbid I actually move her out of my way. So I certainly understand the strong emotions when devastating news is given. I lost my last dog very unexpectedly so I understand.
But the attack on the doctor is so wrong, such an act of senselessness. And apparently the attacker is not accepting responsibility for his actions and need for anger management. I have seen too often (fortunately not in our hospital) people who allow the heat of the moment to overrule reason, to lash out in anger, with little thought to those who could be hurt.
I don’t know why the pet died. I don’t know how the news was broken. I don’t know if this is a great doctor or not (he has had no complaints filed against him by the veterinary medical board…I checked). I don’t know if Zeka’s death was due to poor medicine or one of those rare but horrible things that happen. But I do know that violence is never an answer. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Sallen on a speedy recovery. While I sympathize with Mr. Doornbos’s loss, I hope that he gets the help that he needs to control his temper, to accept responsibility for his actions. And I hope that maybe we can take a lesson in this…that when emotions are high, we need to take a step back, take a few breaths, and not lose our humanity.